Stop home-maintenance headaches caused by the harsh weather

Stop home-maintenance headaches caused by the harsh weather

09/03/2014 11:34 AM

(BPT) - Intense weather may seem like a distant memory once the temperature warms, but the effects of severe climates may leave long-lasting damage to your home. To make sure...

(BPT) - Intense weather may seem like a distant memory once the temperature warms, but the effects of severe climates may leave long-lasting damage to your home. To make sure your home is in tip-top shape after any brutal conditions, consider these key maintenance projects.

1. Doors and windows

Leakage around windows will admit warm summer air and let cooled indoor air escape. 'Be sure to check that any caulking and weather stripping has remained intact well in advance of summer,' says Tom Bury, construction manager on Food Network's 'Restaurant: Impossible.' 'If you've experienced condensation inside the glass on double- or triple-glazed windows during the colder months, that could mean the weather seal has been compromised.'

When inspecting doors for leaks, here are the top three problems to be on the lookout for:

Check doors for cracks that weaken their ability to stop air leaks and water seepage

Inspect weather stripping for peels and gaps

Make sure hinges are tight and doors fit securely in their thresholds

If any exterior doors need to be replaced, there are a number of options to choose from, with the top three being steel, fiberglass and wood. In addition to being a necessary repair to keep your home safe and secure, replacing the front door can actually pay for itself. The Cost vs. Value Report shows a new steel front door provides a 96.6 percent ROI. For an extra level of protection, install a guard to the base of exterior doors and windows, like the Duck Brand Double Draft Seal, to help eliminate any air flow. It features an exclusive side-strap that keeps the seal securely in place, keeping cool air in and hot air out.

2. Freshen up with paint

'Paint is an easy way to transform the look of your home,' adds Bury. From peeling paint on fences or trim, to delivering a complete facelift, painting the exterior of your home has one of the highest returns-on-investment (ROI) of any project, according to Remodeling magazine's 2014 Cost vs. Value Report. Delivering an ROI of 90 percent, it's worth every penny, especially when repairs are already required.

Done right, an exterior paint job can last up to 10 years. Do some research before you start to save yourself from a complete redo not too far down the line. Use high-quality coatings that are specifically designed for the material of your house and your climate. Also, protect surfaces you're not painting with a high-quality painter's tape, like FrogTape brand painter's tape. It's treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, which keeps paint and stain from seeping and ruining your project. Investing the time in this simple prep step will also eliminate the need for time-intensive touch-ups.

3. Inspect the foundation

'Colder weather presents an entire set of threats to a home's foundation,' says Bury. 'The biggest hazard is frost heaving, which occurs when top-level soils freeze and thaw, creating upward suction that draws in more water, which then freezes and thaws even more.' Over time, this frost cycle results in uneven pressure, creating shifts and cracks beneath the home's foundation.

If you have a basement, it's crucial to inspect it for leaks that may have developed throughout cold caused by a shift in the foundation and address any issues before seasonal rain begins. If there are cracks wider than 1/4-inch wide, you can plug them by injecting an epoxy, which will stop water from coming into the space. Just know that foundation repairs can run the gamut from simple DIY fixes to major reconstruction, so it's best to consult a professional.

By taking the time to assess your home's condition after rough weather you'll be able to immediately address any issues and ensure your abode is in tip-top shape.

Copyright 2014 Inergize Digital. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.